International students in Canada interested in earning extra income may consider engaging in side hustles such as food delivery or website design.
If your study permit conditions permit and you meet eligibility requirements, you can pursue a side hustle without requiring a work permit.
It is essential to adhere to the immigration department’s regulations regarding on-campus, off-campus, and remote work when pursuing a side hustle.
This article will delve into the various side hustle opportunities available to international students both on and off campus, as well as remotely for Canadian and foreign employers.
If you are engaging in any form of work in Canada, including side hustles and part-time jobs, you must possess a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a nine-digit number used for employment and tax purposes.
On-campus Side Hustles
Subject to meeting all eligibility criteria, you can work unlimited hours on-campus to earn money without the need for a work permit.
On-campus side hustles can be obtained through:
- The school or one of its faculty members;
- A student organization;
- A private business located on campus;
- A private contractor providing services on campus; and/or
- Your own business, such as a coffee shop, as long as it is physically situated on campus.
Examples of on-campus side hustles include:
Library or Front Desk Assistant: Responsibilities typically include checking out books and equipment, shelving items, assisting with basic inquiries, and helping students with printers or scanners. Administrative tasks like answering phones, monitoring study areas, and maintaining organization may also be involved.
Research Assistant: Tasks may include assisting a professor or lab with data collection, literature searches, survey administration, and preparing visual aids. Basic lab work or interview transcription may also be part of the role.
Note-taker or Accessibility Support Assistant: This role involves attending classes and creating detailed notes for students requiring accessibility accommodations.
Student Union or Club Assistant: Duties may include administrative tasks, social media management, event promotion, ticket sales, and event setup.